Since its creation, the group has shouted from the rooftops that the U.S. patent system increases innovation and drives the economy for large and small businesses alike. And now the group is ready to welcome some members from that second category.

The PAI comprises some heavyweights of the American economy. Apple, DuPont, Ford, GE, IBM, Microsoft and Pfizer have all banded together to promote the importance of innovation to the American economy, and the group has thrown its support behind this initiative.